Reader 10
The Quiet Student
In an adult English class, Mr. Allen asked the students to explain the main idea of a short paragraph. Sara understood most of it, but she was unsure about one sentence. She thought about raising her hand, but she continued looking down at her notebook.
After class, her classmate Luis walked over to her. “You understood the main idea,” he said. “Why didn’t you speak up?”
Sara closed her notebook. “I wasn’t sure how to explain one part. I didn’t want to hold everyone back.”
Luis shook his head. “Asking a question doesn’t hold us back. I was confused about that sentence too.”
Mr. Allen heard them talking and joined them. “Sara, when you ask a question, other students often catch on too.”
Sara looked surprised. “I thought everyone else already understood.”
“Not always,” Mr. Allen replied. “Some students may have the same question, but they are also afraid to ask. Sometimes one question helps the whole class.”
Sara nodded. “Next time, I’ll try to speak up.”
“That’s all I’m asking,” Mr. Allen said. “Your questions are an important part of learning.”
Sara left the classroom feeling more confident about participating in the next lesson.
VOCABULARY
Write the words or expressions from the story that are new to you or that you want to review.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Share your thoughts. Use details from the story to support your answers.
Sara assumes that everyone else understands the paragraph. How does this assumption affect her behavior, and what does Luis reveal that challenges it?
How do Luis and Mr. Allen help Sara see asking questions differently? Compare the support they give her.
Sara says, “Next time, I’ll try to speak up.” Why might this be an important step even though she has not yet participated more in class? Use details from the story to explain what has changed.
LISTEN
Listen to the recording and respond in complete sentences.
What did the speaker say?
Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?
